On August 25, 2024 we lost our hero, Patrick B. Pearce, of Collinsville, IL. He passed away with his loving wife of 55 years and all his children by his side.
Son of Peggy Carns and Stewartie Pearce, he was born on Nov. 24, 1947 at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He entered the Navy shortly after graduating high school, serving proudly during Vietnam. After being stationed in Kodiak Alaska, he and his wife, Mary A Pearce, chose to raise their 3 children in Anchorage, AK. when Pat was discharged from the Navy. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing in The Last Frontier. He and his family returned to the midwest in 1984.
Patrick went through many careers, but his final career was as an O-T-R truck driver with his wife as a partner. They retired in 2012 but enjoyed seeing the entire country on the road.
Pat was preceded in death by his brother, Mike Pearce; his mother, Peggy Carns; his father, Stewartie Pearce; and his beloved Grandma and Pop.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary A Pearce, Collinsville, IL; son, Steven Pearce, League City, TX.; daughter and son-in law, Teresa Brust (Pearce) and Kurt Brust, Paxton IL.; son, George Pearce, Conroe, TX.; sister and brother-in law, Becky and Mark Wheatley of Maryland; sister-in-law, Linda Pearce, Belleville IL.; 7 grandchildren, Kristina Pearce, Brandon Pearce, Ashley Provaznik, Bella Pearce, Maya Brust, Sydney Brust and Londyn Pearce as well as 6 great grandchildren and loving cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.
Patrick was a beloved husband, dad and friend. He was a rock to many, a master at sarcastic humor and a glorious pain in the neck sometimes, especially while playing poker. But if you knew Pat, you knew that underneath his tough exterior he had a heart of gold. His love for his family and friends carried over to his pets as well. Pat had many dogs that he made a part of his family along with many cats towards the end of his life.
He fought hard until the end and folded his hand here on Earth. We are quite certain he arrived in heaven stating, “Deal ‘em”!
Visitation will be held Thursday evening August 29, 4-7 p.m. at Kurrus Funeral Home, 1773 Frank Scott Pkwy W, Belleville, IL.
Services will be held Friday August 30, 11:30 a.m. also at Kurrus Funeral Home, 1773 Frank Scott Pkwy W, Belleville, IL with Military Funeral Honors directly after at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery 2900 Sheridan Rd. St. Louis, Mo. 63125
